2025: A Year in the Life of Sophie Bowdler Photography 🤎
A year of memories, magic, and so much gratitude
As we say goodbye to 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the families I’ve met, the homes I’ve stepped into, the sandy toes and sunset-filled evenings, and all the real, love-soaked moments I’ve been lucky enough to photograph.
Running a photography business while raising a family isn’t always simple — but this year reminded me again and again why I do it. The magic, the meaning, the connection… it’s all here.
Here’s a look back at the year — the stories I’ve captured, the growth behind the scenes, and the personal shifts that made 2025 such an important chapter.
📸 The Photoshoots That Filled My Heart
Sunset adventures at Sandbanks & Studland
This year was filled with golden-hour beach sessions — and they truly never lose their magic.
Barefoot little ones racing through sand, warm evening light wrapping around families, and that sea breeze that feels like freedom.
A definite highlight was photographing tiny Evelyn at sunset with her four-legged big brother, Cheddar, who completely stole the show.
In-home newborn storytelling
There’s nothing like photographing a newborn at home — the slow pace, the kettle boiling, the quiet in-between moments.
This year brought so many beautiful in-home newborn sessions, including lots of older newborns, proving yet again that there is no missed window for capturing your baby.
Mummy & Me, Daisy Field Minis & Autumn magic
2025 introduced the first ever Daisy Field Minis (my new obsession), the dreamiest golden-hour Mummy & Me sessions, and the most gorgeous autumn colours at Upton Country Park and nearby woodlands.
You embraced the chaos, the cuddles, the movement, and the real moments — and that’s where the magic always lives.
🌿 Behind the Scenes: Growth, Balance & Quiet Building
A year of refining, learning & laying foundations
Alongside a full year of client work, something else was quietly taking shape behind the scenes:
the education side of my business.
This year I…
✨ supported more mentoring clients than ever
✨ shared weekly Momentum Monday emails
✨ created resources like The Mini Session Manual
✨ developed systems, ideas & frameworks for what’s coming next year
2025 was the year of preparation — planting seeds for something so exciting.
Looking ahead: The Lifted Lens (launching 2026)
Next year, I’ll finally introduce The Lifted Lens, a dedicated brand for photographers who want clarity, confidence and a business that feels good.
It will bring:
📌 a new Instagram page
🎙️ a podcast
💻 an online course
🤎 a warm, grounded community
This year laid the foundations. Next year, we build something beautiful on top of them.
🏡 Motherhood & Business: Finding Balance in a New Season
This year has also been a big shift personally — stepping into life as a mum of two school-age children. A whole new phase.
The school runs, the clubs, the celebrations, the constant juggle… but also a new kind of rhythm.
More pockets of time to breathe. To think. To grow.
And in those pockets, I’ve found so much joy in…
✨ weekday coffee dates with friends
✨ sea swims and sauna evenings that reset my mind and soul
✨ time to pause, reflect and reconnect with myself
This business allows space for all of that — and I’m endlessly grateful for it.
Your support — your bookings, your kindness, your word-of-mouth recommendations — is what makes this balance possible. Truly.
💫 The Clients Who Made This Year What It Was
More returning families than ever trusted me again this year, and it means the absolute world.
Watching your babies grow, seeing your homes change, witnessing your stories unfold… it’s the greatest privilege of this job.
Thank you for choosing me — whether for the first time or the fifth.
🎉 Looking Ahead to 2026
Next year I’m excited for…
✨ more beach sunsets
✨ more cosy in-home newborn sessions
✨ new Daisy Field Minis
✨ growth in the education side of my business
✨ and the official launch of The Lifted Lens
With prices increasing in January, now is the best time to secure a 2026 session at 2025 rates — but mostly, I’m excited to continue telling your stories with warmth, honesty, and heart.
🤎 Thank You
Thank you for being here — for trusting me, for supporting my little business, and for letting me into your world.
I’m endlessly grateful.
Here’s to 2026 — a year of connection, creativity, and new beginnings.
Much love,
Sophie x